Tragic Hajj Pilgrimage: Over 1,300 Dead Due to Extreme Heat
Saudi Arabia has announced a tragic death toll of 1,301 during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, with the majority of the deceased being unregistered pilgrims who lacked official permits or assistance. The pilgrimage, which occurred under intense heat conditions, saw temperatures soar to 52 degrees Celsius. Most of the fatalities were due to heat-related illnesses, exacerbated by the lack of shelter and comfort.
Unauthorized Pilgrims Face Severe Risks
According to Saudi authorities, 83 percent of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who had walked long distances in direct sunlight without adequate protection. The Saudi government has stated that it was not responsible for the deaths, attributing the incident to misjudgments by individuals who underestimated the risks. This year, over 400,000 unauthorized individuals attempted the pilgrimage, in addition to the 1.8 million permitted pilgrims.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This year's death toll is the highest since the 2015 stampede, which claimed over 2,000 lives. Many of the deceased were Egyptian nationals, with Americans also among the victims. The number of deaths is expected to rise further as hundreds remain hospitalized or missing. Foreign media have highlighted the severe weather conditions and the lack of access to air conditioning and transportation for unauthorized pilgrims as key factors contributing to the high mortality rate.
- The Hajj pilgrimage, held annually from December 7 to 12 in the Islamic calendar, is one of the five major obligations for Muslims. Every Muslim is required to visit Mecca and Medina at least once in their lifetime to perform the Hajj.
- Saudi authorities have implemented a quota system to manage the number of pilgrims, limiting the number of people from each country. However, this has led to an increase in individuals entering Saudi Arabia on tourist visas or other means to attempt the pilgrimage without permission.
- The Saudi government allowed unauthorized pilgrims to participate on site but did not provide them with essential facilities such as air conditioning. Additionally, unauthorized pilgrims were banned from using pilgrimage buses, forcing them to walk several kilometers in the scorching heat.
- This incident has raised questions about the management and safety measures in place for the Hajj pilgrimage, especially under extreme weather conditions. It underscores the need for better planning and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, regardless of their registration status.
